In the A24 religious horror film Heretic, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, a complex and thought-provoking ending leaves viewers pondering the actions of Sister Paxton. The film follows two young missionaries who find themselves in a perilous situation when they visit the seemingly friendly Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant. As the story unfolds, Sister Paxton, portrayed by Chloe East, goes through a harrowing journey that challenges her faith and morality.
At the end of Heretic, Sister Paxton attacks Mr. Reed after he stabs her in the abdomen during her escape. The scene then shifts to Sister Paxton bleeding out from her injury in the prophet’s room behind Mr. Reed’s altar of choices. Here, she begins to pray, a moment that has sparked much discussion and analysis. In an interview with Den of Geek, East sheds light on this crucial moment. She admits that initially, she didn’t understand why her character would pray for Mr. Reed. After all, he had put her through a deadly game designed to imprison her and had shown his true diabolical nature. However, East explains that Sister Paxton doesn’t always see Mr. Reed’s actions as purely sinister. She puts her own morality and religion first, believing that she should make the right moral choices and challenge him rather than simply viewing him as a satanic figure to be banished.
East elaborates on Sister Paxton’s decision by stating that she has “some sympathy or empathy” towards Mr. Reed. This is a remarkable choice considering the circumstances. While many would run from someone who has shown such malevolence, Sister Paxton’s actions demonstrate her unwavering commitment to her faith and her belief in the power of goodness. Her prayer isn’t audible to the viewers, but it speaks volumes about her character. It shows that she isn’t praying for herself but for her perpetrator. This act is a testament to her strength and compassion, even in the face of extreme adversity.
The actor’s initial confusion about Sister Paxton’s choice also highlights just how unusual it is. In a situation where most people would be consumed by fear and anger, Sister Paxton chooses to show empathy. This decision indirectly explains Heretic’s final butterfly scene. It represents Sister Paxton’s choice to believe in the goodness in the world. She believes in the goodness in Mr. Reed and her responsibility as God’s messenger, despite the terrible things he has done. Before everything unravels, Mr. Reed reveals his true nature to Sister Paxton by showing her all the women he has caged in his basement. In response, Sister Paxton makes the bold decision to stab Mr. Reed in the neck to escape. By praying for him later, she is showing him that he doesn’t have control over her and that her faith remains strong despite his attempts to manipulate her.
East’s portrayal of Sister Paxton initially presents her as inexperienced and naive compared to the sharp-witted Sister Barnes. Sister Barnes comes very close to figuring out Mr. Reed’s con, while Sister Paxton seems more vulnerable. However, the prayer scene is one of the moments that truly showcases Sister Paxton’s strength. Despite going through intense theological bullying and physical trauma, she doesn’t lose herself. Sister Barnes likely wouldn’t have prayed for Mr. Reed’s soul, but Sister Paxton’s decision to do so reflects the kind of person she is. It shows that she is willing to see the best in people, even those who have caused her great harm. In a film filled with darkness and uncertainty, Sister Paxton’s prayer is a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the power of faith and compassion.
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